Out of nearly 20 cookers from as far away as Texas, a new hometown favorite and cook-off rookie took the Championship Trophy home for Best in Show.  Judges voted Pie Face Pizza Co. of Reno’s wing sauce the most flavorful of the weekend.  Coming in second was another popular pizza joint, Reno’s own Pizza Plus.  After winning the annual event for several years, Havin’ an Affair of Las Vegas fell to third place, but did take home the People’s Choice Award.  Redneck BBQ of Reno and Famous Dave’s rounded out the list of favorites, placing fourth and fifth at the 10^th Annual Cook-off.

Each of the Downtown Reno casinos also challenged each other to a cook-off of their own at this 4^th of July weekend affair.  Winning for the second year straight was Silver Legacy, whose secret sauce was chosen over Club Cal-Neva and Harrah’s, who tied for second place honors.

In a special judging Friday afternoon, members of the local media tasted wings prepared by featured cookers.  The 2011 Media Choice Award was given to Circus Circus for a unique and tangy mango habanera sauce that pleased the most palates.

With so many winners, you’ll just have to try all the top picks to determine your favorites.

Congrats to everyone who participated in the 10^th Annual Great International Chicken Wing Society Cook-off and Street Faire, see you next year!

The atmosphere is just as tasteful as the menu, with country-style décor mixed with an urban flair.  Centered on a philosophy of farm fresh food with an entertaining twist, breakfast includes favorites such as farm scrambles, flapjacks, and the hot sticky granola and meatloaf hash.  Lunch offers up their famous one pound hash house burgers, which features two patties stuffed with everything from apple-smoked bacon to mashed potatoes.  The outrageous dinner menu includes items such as chili-crusted Indiana maple leaf duck breasts and braised slow-cooked barbecue pork ribs.  The restaurant is probably best known for its sage-fried chicken, complete with a hardwood smoked bacon waffle tower. 

“With a long list of restaurant awards and accolades adding up, Hash House a Go Go is an exciting addition to downtown Reno,” said Tim Tretton, Director of Operations for Harrah’s Reno.  “We are extremely excited to have them as a new business partner. This is sure to be the new go-to breakfast spot in town.”

Hash House a Go Go will operate as a 24/7 restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and offering room service.   Hash House a Go Go will replace Café Napa, the current 24 hour coffee shop on the casino’s property.   Café Napa will close officially on February 21, and reopen as Hash House a Go Go in late April. 

For more information on Hash House a Go Go, please visit www.hashhouseagogo.com.

-Tom Crist

The performance will be a feast for the eyes as Chef Wu’s one of a kind style is second to none. Signature noodle dishes, prepared by chef Wu, will be offered in the buffet only on these special nights.

• What: Master Noodle Chef Yongdong Wu
• Where: Carvings Buffet at Harrah’s Reno
• When: Thursday, Oct. 15 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Oct.16 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well as 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Oct.17 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Demonstrations will occurevery half hour during these hours.
• Web: HarrahsReno.com

Chef Wu’s talent will be on display at no additional charge for all guests who purchase a buffet meal.  The Carvings Buffet is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Friday lunch is $10.99 for adults and $6.99 for children.  Saturday champagne Brunch is $12.99 for adults and $6.99 for children.  Thursday dinner is $15.99 for adults and $8.99 for children.  Friday steak and seafood dinner is $20.99 for adults and 10.99 for children.